Author: Guy Webb

From the Bullpen…Former NFL star Chris Johnson has ALS

Guy Webb Uncategorized

The sports world was hit with devastating news recently when former NFL star running back Chris Johnson -affectionately known to fans as “CJ2K” for his historic 2,000-yard rushing season- shared on Good Morning America that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

At just 40 years old, Chris revealed that the progressive neurodegenerative disease has advanced with heartbreaking speed since his diagnosis in 2025. A man who once defined elite physical speed and strength now uses a speech-generating device controlled by his eyes to communicate.

Yet, in his interview, Chris delivered a message that didn’t dwell on defeat, but radiated courage:

“ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn’t changed who I am. If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope, then it’s worth it.”

Chris’s choice to step onto a national stage and use his platform to raise awareness is an inspiration. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to Chris, his wife Brittany, and their children as they navigate this journey.

From Awareness to Local Action

When a high profile figure like Chris Johnson shares his journey so vulnerably, it does something vital: it strips away the anonymity of this disease and forces the world to see the urgent, immediate need for funding, advocacy, and breakthrough science.

But national awareness only goes so far without local action. That is where our foundation steps in.

While Chris fights his battle on a national stage, we are on the ground right here in North Carolina, fighting for the individuals and families facing this exact same reality every single day. An ALS diagnosis changes a family’s world overnight, bringing immense emotional, physical, and financial hurdles. Our mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to carry that burden alone.

Fueling the Hope for a Breakthrough

Lou Gehrig’s Disease is notoriously brutal, gradually robbing individuals of their ability to move, speak, and breathe. But as Chris pointed out, there is a reason to hold onto hope. Right now, there are more clinical trials, experimental treatments, and brilliant minds collaborating than ever before.

Progress, however, requires resources.

Every dollar we raise through our foundation directly funds critical local support services and care resources. When you support our fundraising events and initiatives, you are directly investing in the relief of ALS patients all over North Carolina.

Chris Johnson’s diagnosis is a sobering reminder of how precious time is, but his spirit is a call to action. We are more dedicated than ever to pushing forward, raising vital funds, and supporting the brilliant research that will, one day, make ALS a disease of the past.

How You Can Help

We invite you to join us in honoring Chris’s courage by turning awareness into action. Whether through a direct donation, volunteering, or participating in our upcoming fundraising events, your support provides real, tangible hope to ALS patients and their loved ones right here in North Carolina.

Together, we can ensure that the light shone on this disease never fades until we find a cure.

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to is.” –Jim “Catfish” Hunter

From the bullpen…Grants Applications set to reopen!

Guy Webb Uncategorized

In my first note to you, I shared how humbled I am to lead this Foundation and how committed we remain to the path Tommy set for us. Part of honoring that legacy is ensuring we are doing everything in our power to provide tangible relief to those who need it most. I am pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2026, our grant applications are officially open again.

We know that for families across North Carolina, an ALS diagnosis brings not just emotional weight, but significant practical and financial challenges. Our grant program is designed to help alleviate some of those burdens, providing support so patients and their families can focus on what matters most: spending time together and maintaining quality of life.

If you or a loved one are navigating life with ALS, I encourage you to visit our website to review the updated grant information and submission guidelines. Our team is ready to review applications and continue the vital work of connecting North Carolinians with the resources they need.

Thank you for your continued patience, your support, and your dedication to this community. We are honored to stand with you.

Winning isn’t everything. But wanting to is. –Jim “Catfish” Hunter

From the bullpen…words from our new President

Guy Webb News & Publications

The past several months have been some of the most difficult in our organization’s history. We are still grieving the tragic loss of Tommy Harrell, a leader, advocate, friend, and driving force behind everything this organization has accomplished. His passion for helping people living with ALS was contagious. His commitment to patients and families was unwavering. His impact can be seen in every family we support and every life we touch.

Taking over after Tommy’s passing is not something I ever imagined I would be doing. The truth is that his shoes are enormous. There is no replacing someone like Tommy. His vision, leadership, and heart helped shape this organization into what it is today. Every day, I am reminded of the standard he set and the legacy he leaves behind.

I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on what Tommy would want for this organization moving forward. The answer is actually quite simple: he would want us to keep going. He would want us to continue showing up for patients and families facing one of the most challenging diagnoses imaginable. He would want us to keep advocating for better care, greater awareness, and more resources. He would want us to continue building a community where nobody affected by ALS feels alone.

That commitment remains stronger than ever.

While leadership may have changed, our mission has not. Every member of our team remains deeply dedicated to supporting individuals living with ALS and the people who care for them. We understand that behind every diagnosis is a person with hopes, dreams, fears, and a family navigating an uncertain future. Our responsibility is to stand beside them every step of the way.

As I step into this role, I do so with humility and gratitude. I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me. I am grateful for the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who continue to believe in our work. Most importantly, I am grateful for the patients and families who inspire us every day with their resilience, courage, and determination.

In the coming months, I hope to use this blog to share updates about our programs, highlight stories from the ALS community, discuss advances in research and care, and provide a closer look at the work happening behind the scenes. Transparency, communication, and connection will be important priorities as we move forward together.

We will undoubtedly face challenges ahead. ALS remains a devastating disease, and there is still so much work to be done. But if Tommy taught us anything, it is that meaningful progress comes from persistence, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every patient deserves support, dignity, and hope. While we mourn his loss, we also honor his life by carrying forward the mission he cared about so deeply. Every family we help, every resource we provide, and every step we take toward a world without ALS is a testament to the foundation he built.

Thank you for standing with us during this transition. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for helping us ensure that Tommy’s vision continues to make a difference in the lives of people affected by ALS. We are excited to relaunch our grant process next month and look forward to helping NC residents battling this awful disease.

We have big shoes to fill. But together, we will continue the work. And together, we will keep moving forward.

Winning isn’t everything. But wanting to is. -Jim “Catfish” Hunter